Tennis ace Andy Murray ready for Australian Open

Scotland´s Andy Murray has been named as the ninth seed for the forthcoming Australian Open. Murray´s betting odds to win the Tennis season´s first Major in Melbourne are 20/1. However, there remain many doubts about Murray´s stamina levels in the Australian heat. Murray´s latest seeding is a direct reflection of his world ranking which was boosted following victory at the season starting Qatar Open. However, Murray was beaten in straight sets by Marat Safin at Kooyong this week.

However, the British number one recovered from that loss in the round-robin event by beating Ivan Ljubicic. Tournament favourite Roger Federer, betting odds 4/7 , is the number one seed in the men's draw. Justin Henin is no1 in the women's draw. It promises to be a cracking event with only two of the top 32 ranked men are not competing. The two absentees are Guillermo Canas and Tommy Haas.

Murray will need to play his best if he is to improve on his fourth-round effort last year. Federer is gunning for his third straight title in melbourne and his fourth all time win. Federer has now won 12 Majors - tied with Rod Laver and two behind Pete Sampras. Henin didn´t play in last year's Australian Open, but she managed to win the French and US Opens. Serena Williams, who is the defending champion, is seeded seventh.